Motor shipping

[Bill C.]

I have located a 72 LT 1 motor in South Carolina which I would like to ship to Phoenix area. The motor is complete and on a skid for shipping but the quotes I am getting are in the $1000 range. Since the skid would probably make moving the motor after loading next to impossible, a transporter is not a option. Any suggestions are appreciated. God Bless America and thank a Veteran. Bill #20328

[Jack H.]

Re: Motor shipping

This is an area where aggressive shopping can pay off. First, most transporters quote 'rack rates' for cartage and they have rather extensive discount structures for their commerical shippers. Do you know anyone with a valid business that ships commercially? They might be able to get a MUCH better price for you...

Next, with the engine simply lashed to a pallet, you're going to pay 'deck to ceiling' freight rates because the item isn't 'stackable'. So, that's a consideration that could be boosting your cartage cost...

Another consideration is local pickup/delivery. It's one thing to go 'dock to dock' and more expensive when you go source to destination. The shipper has to consider loading/unloading (is there a dock to move the pallet onto and off the truck, are there fork lift facilities there, are both physical locations suitable for OTR truck access?). These considerations can complicate and increase cartage costs SIGNIFICANTLY!

Your best rate(s) will come when the engine is FULLY crated (qualifies as 'stackable) and you ship 'dock to dock'. The carrier WILL move a pallet/crate in/out of a pickup truck bed at the dock of their local freight terminal for you, typically at no charge!

[Clem Z.]

Re: Motor shipping

they sell special HD plastic shipping crate just for engines. have the the seller buy one and ship the engine in that. shipping to a freight terminal near you is the cheapest because if you ship it to you home your will pay for a special truck with a lift gate since you have no loading dock. i have shipped engines in the crate for under $150. here is the place to get the engine case. http://www.scribnerplastics.com/engcase.htm

[Joel F.]

Re: Motor shipping

A few years ago I shipped an engine block (block only) via UPS freight for less than $125. A complete engine would have been a bit more but as I recall it was pretty reasonable.

You have to set up a freight account with them, but to do so is quite simple.

[Ted S.]

Re: Motor shipping

Try using freightquote.com I shipped a short block for a lot less $$$ than the trucking companies were asking. Another one is ForwardAir. I had a big block bare block shipped for around $100 air through them. They buy excess space on freight planes. You have to have the $ to pay them at shipment and make sure they have an air terminal on both ends. If you drop off and pick up at the trucking dock that will save considerable $ also. Hope this helps.

[Garry B.]

Re: Motor shipping

Bill,
Try Kevin Schultz at kschultz@enginesdirect.net. I have dealt with him twice within the last few months and they provide lift gate service at both ends if needed at no additional cost. They will need to know your pick up zip and delivery zip. They also deliver to your residence at no additional charge. I shipped a complete 283 from Philly area to Tulsa for $240 and it all came together within five days time. Can't hurt to see what they can do.
Garry Barnes
18531

[Clem Z.]

Re: Motor shipping

unless you are planning to tear the engine down when you get it i would not ship it on a open pallet as there are to many things that can happen in transit. i always shipped mine thru a auto wrecking business as they ship engines all the time